Next came the coloring of the skin, face, neck, hands, and arms to the elbows.
The war-paint followed, with a wig of long, black hair, the head-dress and war-bonnet, buckskin suit of hunting-shirt, leggings, and moccasins.
The "ghost shirt[4]" was next put on, and last the never-failing blanket.
If any one could then detect the dashing, handsome Lieutenant Kit Carey of the Seventh, beneath the paint, feathers, and make-up of an Indian chief, a keen eye he would have, indeed.
Thus accoutred for the work Kit Carey left the two Indians in camp with his horse, and started forth upon his mission of danger, for he had determined to know just how matters stood with Big Foot and his band.
The camp of the Sioux was on a level strip of ground, along the banks of a ravine some fifteen feet deep, and from fifty to a hundred feet in width.
The tepees of the Indians extended along the banks of the ravine for several hundred yards, and were formed in the shape of a crescent.
To reach the camp from the rear, by way of the ravine, Kit Carey found it no easy task; but it was accomplished, and at last he glided into the midst of the hostile band.
Dressed as he was, and it being night, he did not fear detection, for he spoke the Sioux tongue perfectly.
Then, too, his walk, movements, and appearance was that of a Sioux chief.